Relation of mechanical circulatory support to myocardial function and energy utilization.
Evaluation of the influence of mechanical circulatory support, with the goal of improving techniques, requires quantification of those variables which determine cardiac performance. Characterization of myocardial function in terms of preload, afterload, stroke work and stroke power, velocity of contraction and frequency of contraction can be accomplished with instrumentation available in the catheterization laboratory. Similarly, the influence of mechanical circulatory support on the metabolic activity of the heart can be quantitatively assessed. Utilization of these measurements to evaluate current techniques should facilitate the development of improved methods for assisting the circulation.
D000818:Animals; D001243:Assisted Circulation; D004285:Dogs; D006321:Heart / Q000502:physiology*; D006439:Hemodynamics; D006801:Humans; D009206:Myocardium / Q000378:metabolism